Midland Circuit
No5 Barristers’ Chambers continues to be recognised as ‘a very efficient barristers’ chambers’, with its members appearing in a wide array of high-profile and complex criminal cases, including allegations of murder, terrorism, drug conspiracies, and serious sexual offences. Michael Duck KC recently secured convictions in a trial involving the fatal stabbing of a non-league footballer on a nightclub dance floor—two defendants were convicted of murder, while a third was found guilty of affray. Michelle Heeley KC, described as ’excellent with clients and advocacy’, successfully prosecuted a defendant in a case involving the homophobic murder of an elderly gay man; the offender received a life sentence with a minimum term of 25 years. John O’Higgins recently represented a man convicted of manslaughter after being accused of murder in a case involving the brutal assault of a vulnerable individual in his own home. Ian Bridge and Tim Pole remain go-to counsel for serious road traffic matters and are regularly instructed in cases involving fatal collisions and life-altering injuries.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Profile
Work Department
Regulatory and Crime
Career
Tim Pole is a specialist regulatory and criminal barrister. He was appointed to the Attorney General's list of specialist regulatory barristers in 2012 (Health and Safety, Environmental, Office of Rail Regulation). He appeared on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive in the well publicised Copthorne Hotel legionnaires case and has appeared in a large number of the most serious Health and Safety cases both for the defence and prosecution. He is regularly instructed to prosecute and defend cases involving environmental, food safety and consumer law. He has a vast experience of coronial law and is often instructed by companies and individuals at this crucial stage. He undertakes specialist criminal work principally defending directors facing allegations of fraudulent trading or applications pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. He is regularly instructed in motoring cases by high profile figures in the worlds of sport and entertainment. He has worked for a range of leading insurers where he is considered the go to man for this specialist area particularly in cases involving death.
Education
Called 2001
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Andrew Trotter can always be relied on to provide a response and keep up to date with the progress of a case or counsel's instructions. He goes above and beyond his duties.'
- 'Micky Powell and Andrew Trotter offer sterling service and are always available to take calls and emails and respond swiftly.'
- 'The clerks are friendly and approachable and very swift to respond. Andrew Trotter leads the set excellently.'
- 'The senior practice director, Andrew Trotter, is as good a criminal clerk who knows his job inside out. He knows the strengths and abilities of his barristers, and he works hard to ensure solicitors are never left disappointed with any aspect of the service delivered by the No5 criminal clerks team.'
- 'No5 Barristers’ Chambers is an exceptional set, with a wealth of barristers with varying levels of experience in criminal matters.'
- 'No5 Barristers’ Chambers is the best criminal set in the circuit, with good criminal barristers at all levels.'
- 'No5 Barristers’ Chambers is a strong set with a wide variety of strong advocates.'
- 'No5 Barristers’ Chambers is a set of professional barristers who provide excellent advice and advocacy.'